From the Hart: Pats add Crumpler
Written by Andy Hart on March 19, 2010 – 10:05 am -According to various reports the Patriots have reached an agreement with veteran free agent tight end Alge Crumpler.
The signing gives New England a legitimate player on the tight end roster, something it was lacking after the release of Chris Baker and free agent departure of Benjamin Watson.
A veteran of nine NFL seasons, the 32-year-old Crumpler is an interesting addition. Back in his days in Atlanta he was though of an top pass catcher and Michael Vick’s favorite target. He hauled in 44 or more passes for five straight seasons for the Falcons from 2003 through 2007, earning Pro Bowl honors from 2003-06. His production peaked over 2005 and 2006 when he played in all 32 games, totaling 121 catches and 13 touchdowns over the two seasons.
Crumpler spent the last two years with the Titans, and has evolved as more of a blocker than a receiver. Listed at 6-2, 262 pounds, he’s got a shorter, more compact, less athletic build than the likes of past Patriots Watson or Daniel Graham. He caught just two touchdowns in his two seasons in Tennessee, catching 24 and 27 passes each year.
The good news for the formerly tight end-less Patriots is that Crumpler is durable, having missed just five games in his nine seasons. He’s played all 16 games six times. He was also considered a solid veteran leader in his time in Tennessee.
The bad news is that he’s not nearly the receiving threat he once was. Could that get a boost working with Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Co. in New England? Sure, but not likely back to his Pro Bowl days of the past.
At the very least Crumpler will likely have to be New England’s No. 2 tight end this coming fall, depending on what other moves the team makes in free agency, trades and the draft.
What do you think of the Crumpler addition? Solid veteran move? Ho-hum signing of a guy whose best days are well behind him? Let us know with a comment below!
Posted in Free Agency (2010) |
March 19th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Surely its worth the gamble seeing as the current depth chart is empty at TE?
March 19th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Good pick up. Now they need to draft a young T.E. in the second round.
March 19th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Granted, I remember Crumpler from our UNC days, but I enjoyed following him in his NFL career. My money is that he’ll be a #1 for this team. He was to Vick, what Coates was to Bledsoe. With no touch on the pass, Vick would just heave it in Crumpler’s direction, and he’d come up with it. Sound familiar? Sounds like he got a little fat in TN, but weight doesn’t affect the hands. I like this pick up… A LOT!
March 19th, 2010 at 11:42 am
I like the signing if crumpler is the No. 2 tight end. Like it says he is durable and good veteran leader. Also he was part a tennessee offense that created running lanes for a 2000 yard rusher. I think his best years as a down field weapon are probably behind him, yet with tom brady leading the offense I wouldn’t be suprised if he catches 30 plus passes. I still would like to see greg olsen in a pats uniform. The pats haven’t had much luck drafting tight ends and olsen is already a proven weapon.
March 19th, 2010 at 11:51 am
What is the over/under on Crumpler even being on Pats roster come Week 1??? Ha ha ha we’ve seen it all.
March 19th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
i dont think he is a patriot guy of a player. He has no speed, and we need some one with speed and strength on that position. i hope Bill is still looking for a better player!
March 19th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
He’s a big boy with good hands & does his job well.
Another decent effort of this off-seasons signings.
March 19th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
it is a good addition to teh patriots tight end roster. but still need a number one tight end. Crumpler is a good number 2 tight end.
March 19th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
High character guy who should fit in well. Excellent run blocker who can only help the team, especially since we are depleted at that position.
March 19th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Even if Crumpler does turn out to be a pure blocking TE who catches 10 passes this year, is that really the worst thing? Really, in the past decade, the TE hasn’t been used as a true weapon in the passing game so why not bring Alge in when needed & let him help keep Brady on his feet.
March 19th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
red zone target
March 19th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
I quess when you make alot of mistakes in the draft over the past 5 years, you are forced to sign washed up players like Crumpler.
March 19th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
to comment on what roots said he is a pats guy solid vet with good locker room presence. he is not gonna be a star reciever, but think when was the last time we had a star reciever at the position. ill tell u when ben coats. great pick up will help the run game and pass protection. and can still grad a ball in an emergancy. something that watson and graham never did
March 19th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Another cheap, experienced player for training camp? Is BB trying to build a team or just maintain one? Ok so Crumpler can block and may have good hands, but can he understand the offense, or will he be another vet that doesn’t get it? And if so will the Pats recognize that early enough and let him go while there’s still time to replace his roster spot before the season begins? Gotta admit, I’m skeptical this off-season.
March 19th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
another ho hum 30 somthing off the scrap heap guy (see david patten) be surprized if he makes the final cut more VALUE!!!!!!
March 19th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Since I now live in Nashville, I have a pretty good perspective. How do you expect Crumpler to catch passes with the lousy quarterbacks he had throwing to him. Major devotion to the run game, and rightly so with Chris Johnson, but both QB’s are stiffs. Wait until he has Brady throwing to him and he will help greatly in the run game too.
March 19th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
I think this is a good signing. He will just take over Bakers spot as the primary blocking TE who catches a pass here and there. We will be using someone else for the pass catching im sure. So having a locker room presense, a good guy, and a good blocker at the least is good enough for a team that had no TEs a few days ago.
March 19th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
It seems like he has really put on the pounds. If he continues to grow, he could end up being out more than Watson.
His weight does not mean he will be a better blocker, and his lack of speed means that teams will not have to respect him as a reciever.
so I think we got weaker not better.
March 19th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Dear god let us not use a 2nd round draft pick for a tightend. I would rather see them use connoly as tight end than deal with the kryptonite, that is drafting a 1st or 2nd round tight end.
March 19th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I hope he was signed as a vet that can help develop some young talent (2010 draftee)and show them how to set the edge and provide extra protection for the QB. Although his production in Tenn. diminished as far as receiving, you can’t overlook his other production. You don’t have a RB run like CJ without great blocking. By the way, anyone have any kind of idea how many runs CJ had to Crumplers side?
March 19th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
A better player…he’s better than Watson ever was even at the age of 32 a proven Veteran a LEADER in the clubhouse. I think this was a great pick up I agree they have to draft a young tight end to groom behind crumpler. The draft isn’t to far away and I really don’t see the pats trading down this year maybe up? And with 3 second round picks should land a young cb,rb,te and the first rounder should get us some much needed pass rush help. No third round pick but a couple fourth, fifth rounders to try and add a lol depth and maybe find that rare gem in the late rounds.
March 19th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
IF he’s over his fumble-i-tis and weight problem and has anything left maybe, however, his run blocking skills may go by wayside in Patriot O….He is , in reality, patch-work in an evolving re-build …
March 19th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
What is it with the Pats and TEs? Why do the talent folks have so much trouble with that position? Graham, Watson, Smith, Baker, Thomas etc. And now we add a guy on the downhill side of his career. I don’t get it. I would’ve re-signed Watson. Although he tool a lot of grief fro not living up to his potetnial, compared with other TEs in the league, he’s up there. Who’s ahead of him? Gonzalez, Whitten, Clark, Shockey, Davis . . . not many when you really think about it.
March 19th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
A typical BB signing……antiquated, available, and, best of all, easy on the wallet. Will Junior be next?
March 19th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
This is very similar to the David Pattern signing, in which it is a low risk- high reward signing. Both bring stability and a veteran presence to the locker room, especially if we draft a TE. I think what BB will ask AC to do will be very similar to D. Graham’s role as a proven blocker. I think Greg Olsen would be a great addition as TE1.
March 19th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
I like the Crumpler signing, for what it’s worth. I think he’s a good, professional veteran. I think he probably has a tiny bit more in the tank than people think, and maybe Brady can maximize that. He’ll be a solid blocker. And keep in mind, he was always a little bit … how can I say this nicely … round. Never looked like Ben Watson. Weighed 260 as a rookie and was a very good receiver for a long time at that weight. Give Alge a chance.
March 19th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Andy: We were willing to give Alex Smith a chance, we were willing to geive Chris Baker “The Touchdown Maker” a chance. How many chances do we give Caserio on this? It’s like trying to find a third wide receiver for crying out loud. I’m beginning to think it’s all about how the Pats use the TE in their system, not the talent of the player the plug into it. We can reassess that when we see how Watson performs in Cleveland and how Baker does in Seattle
March 19th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
I like this signing. Alge was once a elite tight end and I think the pats can bring him back to that. Everyone does better on the pats.
March 19th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
I hear you…but why does the blame fall on Caserio? For better or worse, Belichick runs the ship. Give him the credit and the blame.
March 19th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Is this sarcasm? Or do I need to bring up the names, Joey Galloway, Alex Smith, Derrick Burgess and others?
March 19th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
this is a great pick up. an upgrade from watson id say
March 19th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Mehhhhh it’s like getting a warm beer when real thirsty happy you got beer not so sure you are pleased overall. Great we got someone to block now we need someone to catch. I also disagree with the poster who mentioned get a TE in RD2. This a deep draft for TEs we can get a solid TE in RD 4. Lets use RDs 1 and 2 on a DE OLB WR OLB..
March 19th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Not a big fan of the PATS off season so far, Patten is 35 and Crumpler 32. Hopefully old man Seau can take up a roster spot for the second half of the season
March 19th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Great signing: low risk, high reward. If he catches 20 balls for 200 and 3 TDs, that will be a win. If he is a solid blocker, as the Titan’s run production would suggest, it will be a win. If he breaks a foot in the second game and goes on IR, then the Patriots are right back to where they started, except plus one roster spot. It wouldn’t be a shock either, given his age and size.
They’ll still need another TE, or two really, because they love to run two tight end sets. Whether they use a second rounder or a late rounder on them isn’t really of consequence. It will depend on if the “value” is there, in other words if there is a quality guy(according to their evaluation) that makes sense at the spot they’re drafting in. If not, they probably won’t use that pick on one. As Belicheck says, if you draft for need, you’ll be back drafting for the same position again next year.
March 19th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Sorry, should’ve put this in my earlier post but I’d much rather see the PATS sign CB Nathan Vasher, WR Kevin Curtis, and OL Shawn Andrews. There is much more talent and veteran leadership with those 3 than Patten and Crumpler.
–PEACE!
March 19th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Sounds like a good signing,a veteran tight end who can provide solid blocking,good clubhouse leadership and catch and hold on to a few balls.I dont think the PATS. are done yet at this position. Stay patient,Have faith,
March 19th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
He’ll thrive with the Pats, like all the other “over the hill” players. Good veteran presence….
March 19th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Why don’t we just line Wilfork up at TE? They look like the same player to me.
March 19th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Yeah Alge but we need D-fence we need Jason Taylor or Merriman, good add the alge crumpler one GO PATS!!!
March 19th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
a couple of 2nd rounders and a Greg Olson deal
March 19th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
and in this corner thhhaaaa CRUMPLER!
March 19th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
As a fan of the Pat’s growing up in Westbrook, Maine and now living in Florida, we don’t need a washed up TE. The Pat’s did the same thing last year with Galloway. I would be looking at Hernandez from the Gator’s to fill the spot. The kid is amazing and it would spread the field for Brady and he can block
March 19th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Our top 3 needs are: OLB Pass Rusher, Wide Reciever,a deep threat to play outside, and Defensive end to fill Seamours and now Green’s shoes, though the latter won’t be to hard!
We’ve gotten none of what we need!
March 19th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
I think adding Crumpler is a solid move,even if he doesn’t regain pro-bowl form. After all, Randy Moss was widely considered a has-been when the Patriots signed him,so I think in a Tom Brady system, Crumpler will shine.
March 20th, 2010 at 12:19 am
i thought that the crumpler sighnin is crap we are supposed to get younger not older
March 20th, 2010 at 1:07 am
If i hear the word value one more time, from a fan or the idiots calling the shots on this team, then i am just going to lose it.
March 20th, 2010 at 3:17 am
I bet if we have a 4th and 1 this season we can run behind the big fella or even throw a 2 yd pass for a first!!! Good pick upno off the feild mess I have ever heard of just how we like em GO PATS!!!!
March 20th, 2010 at 3:18 am
great. another washed up veteran
March 20th, 2010 at 3:21 am
Brendon, If you don’t think they needed a TE then what did you think they were going to do this year run four wide every snap? We had zero TEs. I think that put this signing pretty high on their list of things to do.
March 20th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Are the Pats looking in retirement homes for old washed up players instead of getting younger and faster on offense?
March 20th, 2010 at 8:59 am
I think he is a good addition to our roster.
I think he’ll be used most of the time as a run blocker and there for i think the patriots will go after a runningback in the second round ( Ryan Mathews from Fresno or Jonathan Dwyer from Georgia Tech) of the draft to complement Morris ,Taylor and Faulk.
I think Maroney will be released.
March 20th, 2010 at 10:42 am
clearly , the offense need to get more physical and the acquisition of crumpler is a step in that direction .he’ll block for the running game and all that’ll be ask from him in the passing game is to catch the few one Tom will throw his way .We still need a premier guy in that position to catch in the flat and take the attention of the defense .
March 20th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Everyone keeps raving about owen daniels and how the patriots need to trade to get him ..
You guys do realize Daniels is coming off a major knee injury and is a 1st and 3rd tender ??
Which for one is a n insanely high asking price for a tight end not named witten or clark..
and not likely to happen as the pats have no 3rd round pick this year. Forget Daniels draft a late 2nd round tight end and develop…
March 20th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Ho hum.
March 20th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
i think it’s a good signing. we need leadership on both sides of the ball, and Crumpler will provide part of it on the offensive side.
also can we please stop jumping the gun and saying he’s a washed up vet who won’t even make the team? he’s younger than Brady so you can’t call him old without calling Brady old (which he’s not). let’s give a chance first, at least.
March 20th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Let’s not be fooled…the Pat’s use tightends more like an extra tackle or a full back. He is a veteran that can read defenses and protect the on the pass rush. Throw em a few balls and may 2-3 TD’s, but have him teach some good young TE talent from the draft and save Brady a few sacks….
March 21st, 2010 at 7:38 am
he is insuranse tight end for the season , they will draft a tight end with there 1st round pick , or with there 3 in the 2cd they will share time dependind on health issues , they neded a vetren who was cheap , and from all the games i watched baker looked slow last year , and if they did not plan on drafting a tight high in the 1st or 2cd they would have kept watson
March 21st, 2010 at 10:12 am
Let’s face it, other than resigning their remaining free agents that we all know will return, the free agency period is done for the Pats. Unless they trade Matt Light for a proven WR or TE, the Pats are now focusing on the draft. I think the Pats most desperate need is at DT. The front three are so important in a 3-4 as they allow those OLBs to do the multitude of things expected of them in that type of D. The better the DTs are at pass rush, the better our secondary will perform. I think the Pats should make an immediate trade with whomever picks up Suh; provide Matt Light (he’s getting older, more injury prone, and will cost when we come back under a cap in 2011) and a 2nd round pick. Then with our current 1st round pick (22nd) grab either Golden Take, Sergio Kindle, or Ricky Sapp (in that order if available). The Pats can address additional needs at TE and LB with their other 2nd round picks. Maybe even take Tebow with a pick utilize as a TE/back-up QB combo (the usual Pats multi-purpose guy) and see what happens over a few years
March 21st, 2010 at 10:48 am
Another Pats Senior Citizen ….Just an old gesser, Another teams “old cast off ” like Fred Taylor, Shawn Springs, Greg Lewis. Low cost and cheap. Spend some money on an Offensive and defensive coordinator !!! Opps sorry I said the bad word ….MONEY
March 21st, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Do not waste a second round pick on a TE. WE have more pressing needs. Maybe around the fourth or fifth round We can look for a blocking TE in the draft. That’s what the Pats use a TE for. Blocking.
March 21st, 2010 at 1:21 pm
He must have been real cheap and we must have signed him because we are so desperate at that spot. There are some mid round TE this year in the draft that could help make a difference. Penn State TE Andrew Quarless, Oregon TE Ed Disckson, and BYU TE Denny Pitta…all these guys are strong and have hands, there like a more talented Daniel Graham. If they’re there in the 3rd, snatch em up!!!
March 21st, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I think this was a smart move by the patriots. Crumpler can catch the ball and he is a great run blocker. I think this will allow the patriots to do better on the ground, something we’ve been lacking i think. The patriots did not do so well last year in all fields and i think another veteran in the locker room will help as well
March 21st, 2010 at 1:51 pm
One more thing, I think the patriots should draft the tight end from Alabama, Colin Peek, he has the hands to catch a ball and Alabama runs a NFL type of offense so it won’t be hard for him to adjust to the NFL. His career stats are 51rec. for 561yds. and 4touchdowns. with Tom Brady throwing the ball to this guy i think he could be a useful weapon in the red zone or on third down.
March 21st, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Alge Crumpler with a guy like the Bears Greg Olsen together would be huge. That would take care of our tight end problem’s quick! Is Greg Olsen still on our radar?
Being a life long Pats fan, the most likely scenerio is gonna be Alge Crumpler the starting TE, and a 2nd or 4th round pick as the back-up. We do have 2 TE’s on the roster now,I can’t think of there names,obviously they were practice squad or free agent pick-ups! I would love to get Greg Olsen,double TE formation with Crumpler and Olsen, nice combo!
March 21st, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Patriots have 2 Tight Ends now! Both FA-09, #85 Robbie Agnone 6′6 260 from Delaware. #80 Rob Myers 6′4 240 from Utah State both are un-proven, but both have size,and must have showed the scouts and or Belichek something to get signed. So, we do have 3 TE’s including Crumpler now!From what I’ve read, #85 Robbie Agnone has the talent to be a NFL player! Good hands, some speed, and big enough to go up vs. DE’s!At 6′6 he might be like a Jeremy Stevens type TE from Tampa Bay? Stevens also did well in Seattle for a few years. I still would like to get Greg Olsen!
March 21st, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Great move, a good leader, someone to teach and lead a drafter tight end, hopefully in the 32nd round, a guy who blocked pretty well for CJ the last two years and hopefully a sign of some more smash mouth football to come back in New England
March 21st, 2010 at 10:17 pm
I think BB is losing it.It s apparent that the TE is not a big part of the off. because the never really featured them in the off. last year.therefore you dont know what kind of production u could have gotten.Only time will tell but I assure u Crumpler is not the answer. May look good on paper but not the ans.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:05 am
This is a great pick up because we no longer need a TE who needs to pick up the bulk of the catches in the middle, that’s what we have Welker for and hopefully Edelman can develop to be a similar receiver. He still has good hands too which would make him a good red zone target as well. This was a smart choice to pick up a proven TE who will fit the system very well.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Aronn Hernandez from Florida would be a great fit
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Aronn hernandez from florida would be a great fit.
March 22nd, 2010 at 3:02 pm
before everyone jumps off a cliff over this signing, i’m sure there are more moves in store at tight end. plus you need more than one, players do get hurt from time to time. as long as they didn’t overpay for him, i’m okay with it. i say give him the ball on the goal line, if he can bludgeon his way into the end zone on fourth and 1 even a couple times, he’s worth more than maroney lol. as for taking a te in the first couple rounds…on a team with the needs the pats have, that would be unwise, unless it was a player too good to pass up.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Vincent.… your a fool, the draft is hard enough to gauge, let alone hit a homerun everytime espeacially when you typically pick in the lower half of the draft. The Oats do great in the draft about 90%better than most teams last 5 years we’ve landed some great players ya dome have left but I wouldn’t call Mankins,Vollmer,Watson,Butler,Merriweather,Gostowski,Wilfork,these are great players and some take years to blossom Whilite,Ingram,Slater,Tate,Cassel, would say they screwed up to bad Vincent leave your hate at the door we always compete and always have a great chance at the division, Confrence, and a championship
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:37 pm
i think he could be a great addition he still is a great tight-end,and a good blocker. He is not what he once was but still has gas left in tank to do great with Brady and Co.
March 23rd, 2010 at 12:13 am
With Crumpler and the Randolph kid from Wake Forest blocking AND recieving, the Patriots could generate a solid ground game. He might be worth a draft pick.
March 23rd, 2010 at 1:40 am
I think adding Alge Crumpler. Is a great pick up.He might not have the speed that he wants had,but he’s still a very good blocker.What the Patriots need is leadership on Defense.They should someone like Darren Sharper.I think he brings leadship on Defense.Like he did with the Saints.The Patriots havn’t had the leadship that they had when Richard Symore,Or Tedy Bruschi or even Mike Vrabel.
March 24th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Well, that is a great addittion as to protect the line for runs and passing plays. I see crumpler as a better blocker now than receiver maybe under brady he could be better, but only that will tell during the season, he’s older so he could develop younger players, but baker could have stayed and been the other tight end, but we will see when that time arrives
April 4th, 2010 at 11:46 am
This was a bad signing no doubt in my opinion but who knows. Me myself I liked Benjamin Watson. He did make plays when the ball was thrown his way but he may not have been too good at blocking.